A Wo/Man's Glory

Someone I respect so much said something to me yesterday, he said "A husband is a woman's glory".  I've heard this statement several times from many other people in the past and sadly I used to believe it then because people claimed it was scriptural and I wasn't always a bible student. From our discussion you could derive that the context in which he meant it was that, "A woman is more valuable when she is married, your husband defines your worth, and it's a shameful thing for a woman to be unmarried, so you must do everything you can to get a man and settle down". The renewed mind in me found that statement so off-putting. I was absolutely disgusted but out of respect I tried not to say anything but my face never lies, you could actually see the disgust painted with a shady smile.

Ignorance is bad... Well, I don't claim to know it all, I was curious and wanted to know where he got his information from, I was open minded to learn something new, so I went digging for the root of this statement. I've learnt never to believe anything that is not rooted in scripture (the word of God). So, I dived into my bible, to find out where in the bible this can be found, if it's not there then it's absolutely a lie from the pit of hell. I found out that he got the information from 1 Corinthian 11:7. However, the meaning derived from this scripture by most people (not just him) is a total misconception, the scripture doesn't mean that at all, infact it's the other way around.

Here's what 1 Corinthians 11:7 says:
"A man has no need to cover his head because he reflects the image and glory of God. But woman reflects the glory of man- GNB"

Now, I get why this scripture might be confusing, I was confused at first until I read the New King James Version which says:

"For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man - NKJV"

This scripture simply means "your wife is your glory" and not the other way around. Chill ladies... it doesn't mean he is not valuable without you either. So before you get all feminist, let me explain. I couldn't have explained it better than Jimmy Evans of Marriage Today. So I'll simply share his story for a better understanding.

Jimmy Evans Story

"Your wife is your glory. When you look at your wife, her overall disposition—her countenance, her emotions, even her physical appearance—these are connected to you. Women are very responsive to the husbands they choose.

Let me explain. When Karen and I first married, I was completely selfish. I didn't care about her needs; I only cared about my own. I spent my time either working or playing golf, and I would come home expecting her to be June Cleaver standing at the door, ready to meet all my needs.

That was not what she had in mind. She was a great wife, and better than I deserved, but living as my domestic servant was not what she wanted out of our marriage.

But one time I walked in the door from playing golf, and she turned and gave me a look. She wasn't being hateful or trying to intimidate me, but I saw that sour look and it set me off. I wanted to come home to a happy wife, and she was not happy at all. So I let her have it. I became verbally abusive and made it clear I didn't appreciate the way she looked.

I realize now, thirty years later, that the way she looked that day was completely my fault. Her attitude toward me, the way she looked at me . . . it was the result of the way I treated her. She was my glory.

The Bible says that we nourish and cherish our wives as our own bodies. Other than a few candy manufacturers, I can't really blame anyone else for the fat on my body. It's a reflection of my decisions.

I have to take responsibility for how my body looks. It's up to me. In the same way, over a long period of time, no man can shirk the responsibility for his wife, either. She is your glory.

When I look at Karen today, she is my glory and I like what I see. I've changed a lot from who I was three decades ago. I am a better husband. Not perfect, but better. Still, there are times every now and then—not nearly as often, but occasionally—when that little look creeps back into her face.

When I see that look, I realize immediately that I am doing something wrong, and it causes me to examine my behavior and attitudes. What about me is reflected by that look?

It's like a garden. When a tree puts forth rotten fruit, you don't blame the tree. You blame the gardener. I have within my power the ability to fertilize and water to make that tree bloom.

Guys who are embittered toward their wives don't realize that their wives are reflecting the level of care that we give them. She is reflecting your character and nature.

I'm not saying she doesn't have issues of her own. But God has put it within your power to do a tremendous amount of good in her life. She is your glory. If you want her to be a better wife, you need to be a better husband."

Selah!


Jimmy Evans story source: Facebook notes-Marriage Builder/Marriage Today